You may have never heard of konjac, but you are likely to know some products that contain this tuber. The konjac, in fact, is used to make the famous noodles called shirataki, a pasta alternative that you have probably seen on the shelves of supermarkets that also deal with ethnic foods.
Konjac is a tuber, and it is possible to find it on the market in many forms, including gelatin, which seems to be the most popular form among health lovers. In fact, many argue that this fiber-rich tuber helps reduce hunger. But it really
works.Someone would include it among the superfoods, due to its high fiber composition. Konjac: origins and presentation
Contents
- Konjac: origins and presentation
- How konjac is made
- The benefits of konjac for health
- Other health benefits
- Konjac: a safe food
- How to eat konjac
- Konjac considerations: what is my opinion on this plant
- Conclusions
As we have said, konjac is a tuber native to Asia, and has been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine. Also sometimes called voodoo lily, or devil’s tongue, this plant is known for its starchy properties and is a source of soluble dietary fiber.
Konjac can be used as a thickener in sauces and soups.
Glucomannan, a polysaccharide extracted from konjac, can also be used as a prebiotic supplement to feed healthy gut bacteria and help promote gut regularity.
And above all the part that grows underground to be exploited, like most of the tubers. How konjac is made
The most important part of this plant is the tuber it produces, from which the flour that was traditionally used in Japan to make noodles, or as a thickening agent, is obtained. However, the medicinal part is represented by glucomannan, a polysaccharide that is obtained from konjac flour.
In general, pasta made with konjac is used because it has a satiating effect and acts on appetite, which means that it is an adjuvant in weight loss diets, as it reduces hunger pangs, thanks to its ability to absorb water and give us a certain sense of satiety, as well as help control constipation. The benefits of konjac for health
It appears that konjac can help support healthy cholesterol levels, similar to soluble fiber in oats. A recent study showed that the fiber in konjac can also help treat constipation.
Fiber intake has been associated with weight loss, as it helps us feel fuller for longer, and thus eliminate our sense of hunger.
It is also used for problems with blood sugar, cholesterol or inflammatory bowel diseases. As for cases of diabetes, the consumption of fiber during the day allows you to control blood sugar, thus helping to avoid spikes in blood sugar after meals. Glucomannan works the same way, so it is important to be careful with any other medications you may be taking.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of an analysis of 14 studies, which showed that diabetics felt better when they used konjac root powder.
Their good mood had a lot to do with how their stomach processes nutrients. The absorption of sugar is slower, therefore lowering blood sugar levels and the possibility of a spike in blood sugar after meals.
In addition, they have also shown that konjac glucomannan affects a person’s triglycerides, LDL cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight. These points are very important, especially for diabetics. Other health benefits
Aside from the dietary fiber called glucomannan that we have already talked about, Asians have used konjac root not only for weight loss, but also to treat skin problems, coughs, asthma and burns.
Konjac also appears to have a lot of antioxidants that help fight some diseases.
Konjac root helps the body by providing it with specific minerals and vitamins to give it the energy it needs to maintain a healthy heart and calm PMS symptoms.
Konjac also appears to help prevent hemorrhoids and diverticula. Konjac: a safe food
There appear to be risks associated with the ability of this tuber to expand. Konjac candies, for example, have been linked to choking deaths because they don’t dissolve as easily as other jelly candies.
It is also possible that the konjac can expand into the esophagus or intestines, leading to medical problems. It is precisely for these reasons that the European Union and Australia have banned konjac jelly. How to eat konjac
It can be integrated into our diet and used like any other type of pasta. The noodles must be washed before cooking, after which you can add the sauce that has been prepared or the broth, such as a miso soup.
Or you can opt for a nice plate of sautéed vegetables, adding some shirataki, a simple and delicious recipe. Konjac Considerations: What Is My Opinion on This Plant
A 2014 systematic review that included nine studies showed that those who took this extract, in various forms, did not notice statistically significant weight loss. And yet, another 2015 review study showed that this tuber can help reduce body weight in adults, but not children.
In any case, more in-depth research is needed to reach a scientific consensus. In fact, we cannot say for sure that konjac allows you to lose weight, but we can certainly note its intrinsic characteristics, such as its starchy properties, its fiber content, which helps our stomach feel more full. Furthermore, it appears to be a valuable aid in controlling blood sugar levels, cholesterol, inflammatory diseases, and helps prevent a number of other conditions. Conclusions
Konjac can certainly help our body by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Although it is considered safe for most individuals, more research is still needed to reach scientific certainty. In the meantime, if you have any medical conditions, talk to your doctor before including it in your daily diet.
